How to transform your home for a festive Christmas
With Christmas fast approaching, these decorative touches are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Here are five trends to try this year.
By Kat Romero & Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Oct 12, 2023
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It still feels like we’ve barely left summer behind but with October upon us, that means it’s only a hop, skip and a few too many gingerbread lattes away from the festive season. And, if you’re looking to inject some holiday spirit into your home this year, try these quick and easy decor touches that will have your home feeling like a winter wonderland from the moment you step foot on the driveway.
John Lewis is one of the most beloved British brands and has a whole host of stunning, unique and adorable decorations and furnishings that will make every room feel Christmassy. Plus, since Christmas can be an expensive time, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to give your home a makeover. That’s why we’ve also called on our trusted Mumsnet community to offer their top picks for products that will really add that special touch.
Keep reading for our top home decor picks and trends for making your home extra cosy and Christmassy for 2023, with the help of John Lewis.
Trend one: Christmas cottage
Experience the cosy charm of the Christmas cottage home decor trend this winter. Inspired by the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional cottage nestled in a winter wonderland, this trend combines rustic elements with festive touches.
Think warm blankets draped over comfy armchairs, wintry foliage, fairy lights, and cosy, inviting bedding…
For your door
Copper Bauble Wreath, £35
What we like
Homemade look
Classic style
Natural tones
What to know
Can withstand the outdoor weather
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A wreath is such a beautiful symbol of the festive period and offers your home that Christmas feel before you’ve even set foot inside.
It can be lovely to create your own but with many of us leading such busy lives, artificial wreaths, like this one from John Lewis, are such a worthwhile buy. The natural tones will look great against any door colour and reviews say this design is built to last and able to withstand snow and rain.
Plus, the best thing about an artificial wreath is that you pack it away and keep it for the following year.
Use anywhere
Autumn Leaves Garland, £25
What we like
Autumnal colours
Versatile style
What to know
180cm in length
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
These autumnal themed garlands are the perfect piece to see you through the festive period. Decorated with pumpkins, they’ll work for your Halloween parties and all the way to your New Year gathering.
Plus, they're such a versatile decoration as you can wrap them around your bannister, tie them in a knot to make a wreath or even place on your mantelpiece with some lights.
For your bedroom
Santa Double Duvet Cover Set, £55 - £85
What we like
Reversible design
100% cotton
Cute pom poms
What to know
Comes in multiple size options
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
This festive bedding is perfect for the whole family as it comes in an array of sizes, from single to superking. It has a santa print on one side and a reversible striped option. Plus, it’s made of 100% cotton with natural fibres that will keep you cool and comfortable at night.
It’s machine-washable and safe for the tumble-dryer, which means you can give it a clean and get it back on your bed in no time!
Read next: Find the best John Lewis Black Friday deals
Trend two: Winter luxury
Elevate your home decor this winter with the opulent allure of this luxury winter fairytale trend. Inspired by the elegance of snowy landscapes, incorporating these key pieces into your home will add a touch of glamour to your interior.
Picture sumptuous faux fur throws, metallic accents, and crystal white decorations - transform your home into a haven of refinement, and make this winter season truly special.
For your sofa
Faux Reindeer Fur Cushion, £40
What we like
Modern design
Soft and cosy feel
Great price
What we know
Dry clean only
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Not only can you add a splash of festivity to your home with decorations but you can also switch up your home furnishings too. This reindeer cushion is perfect for a more neutral colour palette and customers say it’s so soft and cosy.
One thing to note is that it is dry clean only, so it might be something you just bring out on special occasions.
Twinkling lights
LED Lit Twig Bundle, £35
What we like
Realistic design
Beautiful display
LED consumes less energy
What we know
Can be used outdoors
Our verdict
This light display is ideal for those who prefer a more modern touch to their home. The realistic-looking artificial twigs are wrapped in LED lights, which are energy-saving. These lights will look amazing as a decorative feature in your home. You can place them in a planter or even a clear glass vase.
Plus, they work outdoors so you can decorate your front garden and give your home some Christmassy curb appeal.
For the kids' room
Ginger Ray White Honeycomb Decorations, £10
What we like
Eco-friendly tissue design
Beautiful decorative display
Inexpensive price
What we know
Delicate as made of tissue paper
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
If you’re a fan of retro decor, honeycomb lanterns are such a cool addition to your home. The tissue paper design is also more eco-friendly than plastic alternatives and the neutral tones will work with any home interior taste.
This set of three from John Lewis offer different size options and are the perfect decoration for your window display, tree or across your mantelpiece.
Trend three: Royal fairytale
After the Coronation earlier this year, it’s no surprise that royal accents are seeping into our homes this holiday season. So, with John Lewis, step into an enchanting world of your own with their Royal Fairytale collection - a home decor trend that infuses regal elegance and magical whimsy into your own Christmas traditions.
Inspired by the timeless allure of fairytales and the grandeur of royal palaces, this trend combines rich jewel tones, ornate details, and touches of fantasy. Picture glistening ornaments, luxurious satin drapes, and gold accents. So, embrace this trend at home to make a holiday atmosphere that’s fit for a queen, where every room sparkles.
For your dinner table
Star Print Cotton Table Runner, £20
What we like
Chic design
100% cotton
What we know
Machine-washable
Our verdict
Table runners are a fantastic way to add a pop of colour and texture to your dining table whilst allowing the natural finish of the furniture to still shine through. They can offer protection for hot plates and pots and also from spills. This gorgeous star print is in a festive blue and will really pull your table décor together. It’s made of 100% cotton and it’s machine-washable, so you won’t need to worry about any stains.
Candles everywhere
Christmas Tree Candle, £10
What we like
Festive design
Available in choice of colours
Great price
What we know
The candle is unscented
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Candles offer such a festive touch to your home. Not to mention, they can save on your energy costs! The tree design is such an adorable shape and comes in natural green, as well as festive gold and silver.
They are unscented, but that may be a welcome relief given the array of scents and smells that can fill our homes at Christmas. Plus, they have a burn time of 28 hours which means you can enjoy them for the nights leading up to Christmas.
For your Christmas tree
John Lewis Royal Fairytale Jewelled Crown Bauble, £8
What we like
Classic red colour to suit most Christmas tree themes
Affordable but quality
What we know
Popular item - be quick!
Our verdict
After the Coronation of King Charles III earlier this year, you may be inclined to add a royal reminder to your tree to mark the year you witnessed a new monarch be throned. Unlike the ornaments on offer from the official Royal Collection (which are £30 and over), this one is just £8 and extremely affordable. But fear not, the great price doesn’t mean you’ll be compromising on quality. Every year, John Lewis’ baubles are hugely popular with our Mumsnet users over on the Talk boards for their long-lasting quality and unique designs.
Read next: Upgrade your wardrobe with these top A/W picks from John Lewis
Trend four: Timeless Christmas
This home decor trend brings classic holiday charm to your home that will stand the test of time. Inspired by the nostalgia of yesteryears and cherished family traditions, the Timeless Christmas trend celebrates the beauty of the season. Think twinkling lights, heirloom ornaments and crockery passed down through generations, and a well-dressed front door.
For your hot drinks
Christmas Santa Stoneware Mug, £10
What we like
Adorable design
Ideal for all the family
Great price
What we know
Dishwasher and microwave-safe
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
The only thing better than waking up to a fresh cup of coffee or tea in the morning is being able to enjoy it in a festive mug. This santa-themed one from John Lewis is such a cute design and perfect for the whole family. It’s also dishwasher and microwave safe, which makes for easy-clean up and means it’s built to last.
For the kids
Rainbow Time Capsule Santa Nesting Dolls, £15
What we like
Unique design
Ideal stocking filler
What we know
Great decoration, but not really a toy
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
These festive Russian dolls are perfect for your mantlepiece. You can arrange them in height order or dot them in different spots around your home. The hand painted and wooden design is such a classic touch and we reckon these will be a big hit with the kids, your grandkids, and generations to come.
For outdoors
Christmas Wreath Trio Door Mat, £12
What we like
Bright and colourful design
Rubber backing for non-slip
What we know
Indoor use only
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
A festive doormat is such a fun way to add some Christmas cheer from the second you step foot through the door. This colourful wreath design feels really fun and modern and there’s an anti-slip mat underneath so you don’t need to worry about accidents. Plus, it’s had a ton of glowing reviews online, with customers saying it’s thick and great quality for the price.
Trend five: For all the family
This trend, For all the family, captures the essence of togetherness - reminding us that the true magic of Christmas lies in the love we share with those we hold dear. So, for 2023, make your home a gathering place where everyone feels cherished during this special time of year with items every member of your family can use and enjoy.
For the whole family
The Little Tailor Kids' Christmas Fairisle Onesie, £24 - £25
What we like
Traditional Fair Isle design
Matching for the whole family
What we know
Comes in a choice of colours
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
Matching pyjamas for the family turned out to be quite a controversial topic in our Mumsnet forums, with some insisting it was embarrassing whilst others said it was one of their favourite traditions. So, if you lean towards the latter, we think this FairIsle style from John Lewis is perfect. They’re available for men and women too and from children aged 2 to 11 years old.
The FairIsle design is such a classic and loved by celebs and royals, including Kate Middleton. They come in a good choice of colours, such as red, blue and also a neutral cream. Plus, the all in one design is so warm and customers say they proved to be a hit with the whole family.
For movie nights
Christmas Slogan Knit Throw, £60
What we like
Bold and vibrant colours
Modern design
Cosy knit design
What we know
Machine-washable and tumble-dry safe
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
If you’re not a fan of the more traditional colour palettes for Christmas, go big and go bold with this modern throw. The knitted design is so soft and cosy to touch and perfect for draping across yourself on those cold nights in front of the TV.
Customers say it’s an impressive size and can also work as a throw for your bed or an accent chair in your living room. Plus, it’s machine-washable and tumble-dry safe. Music to our ears when there’s kids in the house or pets!
One for everyone
Cable Knitted Stocking, £20
What we like
Bold, festive red
Traditional cable knit
Cute pom poms
What we know
Surprisingly spacious
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
There’s something about the sight of a stocking that just brings out the little kid in us. This cable knit design from John Lewis comes in a festively bright red and even has cute little pom poms. It will look perfect when hung from your mantelpiece and customers say it’s spacious enough to hold a generous amount of presents.
But a stocking can also be a decorative feature. Just look on Pinterest for lots of clever and unique ideas. Some people have hung them from their stairs or even filled them with festive pot pourri.
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About John Lewis
Known for much more than just those tear-jerking Christmas adverts, John Lewis is a department store that will accommodate all your needs. From home, garden, electricals, beauty, and fashion it's the perfect place to find a special gift for someone, or for yourself.
About the author
Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products that are worth your purchase.
Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner, soaking up the sights of London, and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.
About the editor
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. When it comes to Christmas gift shopping, she knows all too well the perils and politics that come with finding the right gift for a relative. So, she’s fully invested in helping parents and families find the best Christmas gifts for the holiday season.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.